Search a substantial collection of case-specific reasoning, then narrow it by petition, field, legal issue, or date.
This expanded collection favors source-backed access over perfect automated classification. Fields, labels, summaries, and relevance may contain errors; records marked ‘broader context’ need extra care. Review the cited source before relying on any record. These appeals and motions do not show approval odds or denial rates, and are not legal advice or a prediction.
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot established
Case facts
Social SciencesManager
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Original contributions
original contributions of major significance
Why AAO was not persuaded
The AAO found that while support letters attested to the Petitioner's involvement in diplomatic efforts and government work, they lacked specific detail about the nature and significance of his original contributions. Documentary evidence of peace agreements did not mention him. His publications and presentations lacked evidence of major impact.…
Why this is useful
Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.
View full reasoning +
The AAO found that while support letters attested to the Petitioner's involvement in diplomatic efforts and government work, they lacked specific detail about the nature and significance of his original contributions. Documentary evidence of peace agreements did not mention him. His publications and presentations lacked evidence of major impact. Work relating to diplomatic roles was more properly considered under the leading/critical role criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-01-25_01_B2203; source_row=23510 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The AAO found that employment or involvement with an organization does not constitute membership in an association requiring outstanding achievements. The job postings submitted were not specific to the Petitioner's actual positions, and letters merely repeating regulatory language were insufficient to establish that selection criteria rose to the level of outstanding achievements judged by recognized national or internatio…
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The AAO found that employment or involvement with an organization does not constitute membership in an association requiring outstanding achievements. The job postings submitted were not specific to the Petitioner's actual positions, and letters merely repeating regulatory language were insufficient to establish that selection criteria rose to the level of outstanding achievements judged by recognized national or international experts.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-01-25_01_B2203; source_row=23509 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The 2017 W-2 showed the Beneficiary received $85,842.21, which was more than $22,000 below the proffered wage of $108,264, so the Petitioner did not establish ability to pay through wages paid.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The 2017 W-2 showed the Beneficiary received $85,842.21, which was more than $22,000 below the proffered wage of $108,264, so the Petitioner did not establish ability to pay through wages paid.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-01-25_01_B5203; source_row=23514 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Ability to pay combined proffered wages for all I-140 beneficiaries
What the decision said
Because the Petitioner has filed at least 13 other I-140 petitions and there is no record evidence concerning those other beneficiaries—and the Director never requested such evidence—AAO declined to resolve this prong and instead remanded for the Director to gather and evaluate the necessary evidence.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
Because the Petitioner has filed at least 13 other I-140 petitions and there is no record evidence concerning those other beneficiaries—and the Director never requested such evidence—AAO declined to resolve this prong and instead remanded for the Director to gather and evaluate the necessary evidence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-01-25_01_B5203; source_row=23516 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Net income and net current assets (single beneficiary)
Why the evidence was persuasive
The 2017 net income of $94,318 plus wages paid to the Beneficiary of $84,842.41 exceeded the proffered wage of $108,264, so the Petitioner facially established ability to pay for the instant Beneficiary.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The 2017 net income of $94,318 plus wages paid to the Beneficiary of $84,842.41 exceeded the proffered wage of $108,264, so the Petitioner facially established ability to pay for the instant Beneficiary.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-01-25_01_B5203; source_row=23515 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
evidence of J-1 section 212(e) waiver under 8 C.F.R. § 204.12(c)(5)
Why the evidence was persuasive
AAO found the record contained documentation from USCIS showing the Petitioner was granted a waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement, satisfying 8 C.F.R. § 204.12(c)(5).
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
AAO found the record contained documentation from USCIS showing the Petitioner was granted a waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement, satisfying 8 C.F.R. § 204.12(c)(5).
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-01-25_02_B5203; source_row=23517 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO agreed the Director was wrong to rely on Kellogg language as reducing job requirements, but found a different deficiency: part H.14's acceptance of master's equivalencies beyond single degrees (i.e., combinations of educational credentials or credentials and experience) does not meet the regulatory definition of 'advanced degree,' which requires a single degree.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
AAO agreed the Director was wrong to rely on Kellogg language as reducing job requirements, but found a different deficiency: part H.14's acceptance of master's equivalencies beyond single degrees (i.e., combinations of educational credentials or credentials and experience) does not meet the regulatory definition of 'advanced degree,' which requires a single degree.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-01-23_01_B5203; source_row=23506 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c